Media Filters

How Do Media Air Filters Work?

Media filters are located inside a metal cabinet that is placed in the return air duct line of the forced air system. Media filters treat the air as it passes through your heating and cooling system, trapping airborne particles and contaminants within the filter media before they enter your living areas.

Unlike standard furnace filters which are about an inch thick, media air filters are anywhere from three to five inches thick for superior air filtration.

The Advantages of Media Air Filters

There are several advantages to having B&W install a media air cleaner, including:

Removing particles and dust

Media air filters can capture tiny particles such as dust, smoke and dander, just to name a few. They are significantly more effective at filtering out contaminants than traditional filters are.

Protecting your HVAC equipment

With the installation of a media air filter, you’ll keep your furnace and evaporator coil cleaner with less maintenance. This can help increase the lifespan of your HVAC equipment and cut down on repair calls.

Lasting longer

Traditional, one-inch furnace filters typically need to be replaced every one to three months. Media air filters, meanwhile, can last up to six months.

Energy savings

By keeping your HVAC unit clean, your system will run more efficiently, saving you money on monthly energy bills.

Higher MERV rating

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and tells us how well air filters are at capturing particles that range in size from 0.3 and 10 microns, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16, with the higher number being more effective at capturing the smallest particles. Many media air filters are rated MERV 16, meaning they can capture up to 75% of particles between 0.3 and 1% micron in size. To put that in perspective, a single strand of human hair is about 70 microns!

Hierarchy of HVAC Filters and Air Filtration Systems

Not all HVAC filters and air filtration systems are created equal. Let’s do a quick rundown of each one in order of the least effective to most effective at filtering out pollutants and contaminants.

• Fiberglass filters: Fiberglass filters are one of the most popular types of filters on the market due to their lower price point and availability. You can buy fiberglass filters at any grocery or hardware store. Fiberglass filters typically have a lower MERV rating around 1 to 4. They can catch larger particles but aren’t very effective at catching smaller particles such as dust mites and pollen.
• One-inch pleated filters: Your typical one-inch pleated filter is also a popular choice among homeowners. These filters are folded into pleats so they have a larger surface area to catch particles and contaminants. They have a much higher MERV rating than fiberglass filters and are good at catching smaller particles such as pet dander, pollen and dust.
• Media filter: As we mentioned above, media filters are great at catching some of the smallest particles and can significantly improve your home’s indoor air quality.
• iWave Air Purifier: The iWave air purifier is installed in the blower section of your furnace and produces ions to remove harmful pollutants and gases such as mold, bacteria, pollen and dander. The iWave is a very effective way to eliminate airborne contaminants without any harmful byproducts.
• AccuClean Air Cleaner: The AccuClean air cleaner attaches directly to your ductwork on your furnace to provide coverage for your entire home. It has superior filtering ability, removing up to 99.98% of airborne particles from the air and catching particles as small as .1 microns in size. That includes mold spores, pollens, pet dander and dust.